Nelson Mandela: Let Freedom Ring

It seems that every so often, someone rises above the cultural and political fog of his time and speaks truth in a way that captivates and compels towards the betterment of humanity. For those of us on this planet today, Nelson Mandela was that man. Most known for persevering through 27 years of imprisonment and later becoming President of the Republic of South Africa, Madiba (as he was affectionately referred to) was first and foremost a champion of Freedom; first in the cause for equality within apartheid South Africa, and then amongst the poor of the world.

At Food for the Hungry (FH), we mourn with the global community for the loss of such a magnanimous and humble servant. But we also celebrate the life of a man who heightened the bar of justice and led the world toward equality and freedom.

Mandela’s campaign for freedom is not unlike the cause to inspire hope with the world’s most vulnerable. Having compassion for the poor is a powerful way for us to “enhance the freedom of others.” We feel God is with us in the quest to end poverty, just as He was with Mandela in the effort to break the restraints of segregation.

Our prayer is that the world will not forget the many truths spoken by Nelson Mandela. And that his example will continue to compel compassion until physical and spiritual poverty ended worldwide. Only then will all God’s children experience His freedom.

About David Curtis

David is passionate about two things: Walking with the poor, and the New England Patriots. His interest in understanding and advocating for the poor began while spending the summer in rural South Africa, where he worked alongside a fellow 19 year old at an orphanage. The juxtaposition of life as a privileged American, with that of a determined yet struggling friend and peer from the Global South, began the trajectory of a calling to walk with the poor. Since then he has spent time working in South Africa, Indonesia and Haiti. David graduated from Calvin College as a Social Studies Teacher, combining a passion to teach with that of learning. A potent combination that strives to bring "Mutual Transformation" to the world. Go Pats!